U2 and Their Unique Connection to the Nashville Predators

Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter

March 28th 6:00 PM

U2 and hockey are two things you might not think about at the same time. However, the iconic Irish band has an interesting connection to the 2023-24 Nashville Predators.

The Preds had a team trip scheduled in February to see U2 during their Las Vegas Sphere residency. Unfortunately, just before the trip, the Predators sustained a brutal 9-2 loss against the Dallas Stars.

According to the Associated Press, this loss led head coach Barry Trotz to cancel the team trip to see U2. Trotz said, “Just as a team, you have to earn the right. It’s a big expense, and we said, ‘No, it’s not acceptable,’ and we made a decision to come back.”

While not getting to see U2 was likely a bummer, it was clearly something the Preds needed to right the ship. The AP notes that since that 9-2 loss and not going to see U2, the Predators are on an epic point streak and have gone 16-0-2 in their past 18 games. In fact, it’s the longest point streak in franchise history.

Considering how superstitious athletes are, it’s not known whether they’ve banned playing any U2 music in the lockerroom or during the games. Regardless, the Predators are currently in contention for a Western Conference wild card spot in the current NHL Playoff picture. Tonight (March 28), they have the chance to extend that point streak as they face the Arizona Coyotes on the road.

Who’s Playing the Sphere Next?

With U2’s residency officially in the books, Phish will be the next band to perform at The Sphere. Their show dates are currently April 18-21. After Phish, Dead & Company’s “Dead Forever” residency will begin on May 16 and include the following dates.

-May 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 26, 30 and 31.
-June 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22.

After Dead & Company, it’s unknown who will have the next Sphere residency. However, rumors surfaced that The Eagles could be next. The latest rumors indicate the band has booked a residency that will stretch over 10 weekends from September through December. The exact number of shows is currently unknown, but the residency is expected to follow the end of their “The Long Goodbye” farewell tour.

5 Rock Acts We'd Like to See at the Las Vegas Sphere

• David Gilmour

  Gilmour doesn’t perform much anymore, so having him do a Sphere residency would be really special. He undoubtedly has enough of a catalog to warrant such a grand venue. Also, you just know he could really bring an impressive visual experience, too. A Gilmour Sphere residency would continue to make the venue the most in-demand attraction in Vegas.

• Tool

  Let’s just say it: Maynard James Keenan is a f—ing weirdo. (Yes, we do mean that in a positive way.) It would be fascinating to see how he would play to such a larger-than-life venue. As far as visuals go, their existing music videos could be projected on the massive screens, and it would be outstanding! The video for “Vicarious” alone would be trippy AF. Of course, Tool would likely create original visuals for the performance just because they could.

• Paul McCartney

  How do you make a larger-than-life rock figure even larger? Have them take on Sphere! If anyone could do it, it’s obviously Sir Paul. Like with Gilmour, there’s an ample catalog to play with. Plus, he’d be able to sell out countless nights at the venue. Nothing but wins all around for this one!

• Nine Inch Nails

  Giving Trent Reznor the kind of visual freedom Sphere could offer would be interesting, to say the least. It would just be fascinating to see what he would do with all of the technology. He would surely come up with a concept literally only he could dream up. Let’s hope a NIN residency will eventually become a reality.

• Slipknot

  Remember how we noted Sphere is capable of “atmospheric simulations including fog, scent and wind”? Just imagine how Slipknot would utilize scent in a venue. Sure, there’s a good chance it would be gross, but it’s not like you’d want some earthy patchouli incense at a Slipknot show. Plus, their visuals are overwhelming at their shows already. Just think of what they would do with those screens!

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Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter

Category:

• 95.7 BEN FM
• Music

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